Tennis Warehouse Playtest: Babolat Pure Aero

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
My main problem with the old model was powerless on off center shots sth that does not happen with PD. Also the ball needed a lot of brushing otherwise it got enough height and lots of balls went out.... any tester to comment on those 2 issues for the new model ?
 
My main problem with the old model was powerless on off center shots sth that does not happen with PD. Also the ball needed a lot of brushing otherwise it got enough height and lots of balls went out.... any tester to comment on those 2 issues for the new model ?

Imho, to get the best out of the 2013 APD, the player really had to use their entire body (ie legs, hips, body rotation) to produce penetrating shots. The stock 2013 specs punished players who expected the stick to help them to generate pace and depth esp. on serves, flat ground strokes and touch volleys. For me there was a simple way to cure this ... add more weight to the racquet ... and work on better movement to get to the ball earlier.

I can't imagine the Pure Aero is going to be much different. It looks like the frame is more polarized. If that is the case, even more input will be required by the player to get the stick working properly.

In stock form, the Pure Aero looks like it is a less forgiving stick than the 2013 APD. But it also looks like it will reward those who use it he right way more than the old one. In that case, it looks like a reasonable evolution of the product line.

Deep down, I wonder if Babolat is slowly consolidating its product range by moving the Pure Drive and the Pure Aero closer together. Perhaps some time in the future there will be only one range in this space differentiated primarily by string pattern.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
Why did it take you 5 mintues to adjust on the Volleys ? Was it because it is harder to maneuver than your usual frame ? meaning Aero was Less maneuverable than your usual frame ?? Also did you try returning really fast flat serves and see if the frame could quickly meet the fast ball coming at you ?

I can't tell if you're serious. I think my opinion has been clearly set forth more than once, but you keep trying to reverse it and force me to admit that it's really not a maneuverable frame. And for whatever reason you do not want it to be a more maneuverable frame, perhaps because of this unreasonable fixation on the change in swing weight from last year's model. You even changed my "5 seconds" to "5 minutes" so that the point of the volleys portion of my review flew right over your head like a 747. It really does not make any difference to me whether you trust my findings or not, I'm just reporting my personal opinions on the frame. Seriously, I do not care. The Pure Aero can be whatever you want it to be. But for the record I think it's very useful as an all-court frame, and I had no trouble adjusting to it from the Speed MP (which is a quick and lively frame). My answer's gonna be the same no matter how many overgrips are put on the racquet.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
Imho, to get the best out of the 2013 APD, the player really had to use their entire body (ie legs, hips, body rotation) to produce penetrating shots. The stock 2013 specs punished players who expected the stick to help them to generate pace and depth esp. on serves, flat ground strokes and touch volleys. For me there was a simple way to cure this ... add more weight to the racquet ... and work on better movement to get to the ball earlier.

I think you need to use your entire body to get the best out of any racquet on groundstrokes, even a powerhouse like the pure drive. same goes for footwork and timing. It is a 300 g/10.6 oz racquet, though, so it's gonna play like one in terms of plow, power level, etc. If you play at a higher level, you'll probably need to add weight. If you play at a lower level, the lighter weight will be an advantage because it will increase your RHS.

just going on record again saying that I really like the frame and find it useful for all aspects of an all-court game. :D
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
Any issues with arm pain ? Plays and feels softer with more plush ? Did you find more plow compared to the old one ?
 

n8dawg6

Legend
Any issues with arm pain ? Plays and feels softer with more plush ? Did you find more plow compared to the old one ?

Not with the spiraltek it came strung with, I had no arm problems at all. It is a stiff frame, though. I'm thinking it will be a little much for me with RPM blast, but should be very comfortable with the M7. Can't compare to the Aero Pro, I've never used one.
 
I think you need to use your entire body to get the best out of any racquet on groundstrokes, even a powerhouse like the pure drive. same goes for footwork and timing. It is a 300 g/10.6 oz racquet, though, so it's gonna play like one in terms of plow, power level, etc. If you play at a higher level, you'll probably need to add weight. If you play at a lower level, the lighter weight will be an advantage because it will increase your RHS.

just going on record again saying that I really like the frame and find it useful for all aspects of an all-court game. :D

Indeed it is a 300g stick ... but the difference in SW between this one and the 2013 model is significant enough to be more greatly effected by the use of the human kinetic chain in the production of stroke.

I'm looking forward to weighting one up to the 340g level and comparing it with a 2013 APD of similar configuration. I expect the new one will have more spin potential but I'm most curious to see the differences in shot placement accuracy.
 

FoldingChair

Semi-Pro
@FoldingChair In what way have you modified your Yonex Ai 98. Just wanted to check that so that I can understand the comparisons you are making better. Thank you.
Babolat skin feel grip, 3 inches of lead total on 3 o clock and 3 inches total on 9 o clock. For the lead placement I used inch and a half strips, 4 in all. Weight is about 12.1 oz so it's not that much different from stock weight but plow through is a lot better and it hits a heavier ball with the added weight
 

cknobman

Legend
String came in yesterday, thanks Babolat!

This bad boy will be strung up with the RPM blast this weekend and out for a hit on Monday! :)

I'd like to use it this weekend but I am in a tournament and can't risk trying anything new out.
 

JonnyAbs

Semi-Pro
I think you need to use your entire body to get the best out of any racquet on groundstrokes, even a powerhouse like the pure drive. same goes for footwork and timing. It is a 300 g/10.6 oz racquet, though, so it's gonna play like one in terms of plow, power level, etc. If you play at a higher level, you'll probably need to add weight. If you play at a lower level, the lighter weight will be an advantage because it will increase your RHS.

just going on record again saying that I really like the frame and find it useful for all aspects of an all-court game. :D

Nate, if you ever try a 2013 APD, you will know what Karma Tennis is talking about. It does not hit with anywhere near the power of a pure drive IMO. The SW is lighter and it hits more of a loopy ball and it was very difficult for me to flatten shots. Thus, you had to put everything into a ball if you wanted to hit a winner. This could have been due to the fact that I used volkl cyclone 16 at 55lbs, so maybe I could have benefited from a hybrid setup or a lower tension. Either way, with the new Pure Aero, I get a more penetrating ball, likely due the increased SW and the more open string pattern. I am looking forward to getting out with it again.
 

n8dawg6

Legend
Nate, if you ever try a 2013 APD, you will know what Karma Tennis is talking about. It does not hit with anywhere near the power of a pure drive IMO. The SW is lighter and it hits more of a loopy ball and it was very difficult for me to flatten shots. Thus, you had to put everything into a ball if you wanted to hit a winner. This could have been due to the fact that I used volkl cyclone 16 at 55lbs, so maybe I could have benefited from a hybrid setup or a lower tension. Either way, with the new Pure Aero, I get a more penetrating ball, likely due the increased SW and the more open string pattern. I am looking forward to getting out with it again.

yeah I've never hit the Aero Pro, that makes sense. I am having no trouble with heavy groundstrokes with the PA, though, even with syn gut. And playing doubles I was taking hard low flat serves and slapping them back flat and low over the net crosscourt with interest.
 

FoldingChair

Semi-Pro
Does anyone know the tie offs for a 2 piece job on this racquet? I cut out the string without looking at the tie off points and I'm assuming they're different from the 2013
 

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
I can't tell if you're serious. I think my opinion has been clearly set forth more than once, but you keep trying to reverse it and force me to admit that it's really not a maneuverable frame. And for whatever reason you do not want it to be a more maneuverable frame, perhaps because of this unreasonable fixation on the change in swing weight from last year's model. You even changed my "5 seconds" to "5 minutes" so that the point of the volleys portion of my review flew right over your head like a 747. It really does not make any difference to me whether you trust my findings or not, I'm just reporting my personal opinions on the frame. Seriously, I do not care. The Pure Aero can be whatever you want it to be. But for the record I think it's very useful as an all-court frame, and I had no trouble adjusting to it from the Speed MP (which is a quick and lively frame). My answer's gonna be the same no matter how many overgrips are put on the racquet.
I apologize if my question is confusing. I am so used to comparing frame to frame. I never used Head before so only thing I can compare to is 2013 Aero. and I have difficult time understanding something with no frame to reference to. So in maneuverability rating for Volleys, what score would you give out of 10 points. 8 out of 10 ? 9 out of 10 ?
 

Bartelby

Bionic Poster
Everyone, including Chris today in the Vlog, says the new version has a hefty swing weight so it's unlike the '13 version, so you have to buy that or wait three years.

This version is of no use to you, sorry.
 

Bartelby

Bionic Poster
If you go to the bottom right hand side of the TW home page you'll see 'Stay Connected' and the bottom middle icon takes you to the youtube channel.
 

jonestim

Hall of Fame
I'll do a quick one now, and a more detailed as the playtest goes on.

Tennis experience/background: 42, playing for 4 years, 3.5-4.0.

Describe your playing style:
Retriever, looking to come to net and pressure on short balls

Current racquet/string:
Prince Graphite Longbody / Prince Tour XC 17 @ 52

String set-up in test racquet:
Spiraltek, then Prince Tour XC 17 @ 40

How many hours did you play with the racquet?
7 so far

Comments on racquet performance:

I have liked APDs (and Pure Drives) in the past and have owned them - although the last of each was the plus version. I have a couple hitting partners that use the current APD and have borrowed them occasionally. The feel and stiffness has always been why I have given them up. I've got lots of time on flexy, old-school frames that just feel better on contact.

I'll just put this out there first - This is more comfortable than the '13 APD. It could be the extra swingweight, the more open pattern, new Woofers, the new Cortex, or most likely - a combo of all of them. While it isn't a "comfort" frame by any stretch, I think it has now come into the realm of actually usable for me. TWU lists the vibration frequency as 148 - which is the same as the Warrior 100, Super G 10 295, Extreme Pro 2.0, YOUTEK Prestige Mid and the X Feel Pro 95. If you have loved the APD in the past but avoided it because of arm issues - this may be worth a hit.

Groundstrokes: Yes please. Deep, effortless balls combined with ripping down the line winners. Nobody has ever questioned the ability of the previous versions on groundstrokes. Without proper technique you may launch balls - but concentrate on topspin and it's amazing how easy it is to play with it. I am not able to aim for the same targets as I can with my Graphite Longody - but I am able to hit the bigger target with more pace and put more pressure on my opponent in turn setting up an easy put away. It's different game than I am accustomed to playing - but very effective.

Serves: Still working on these. I am hitting a lot of my flat serves long. Great pace but inconsistent, so I have been hitting a kick as my first which has been quite effective with good pace and with more spin than my normal setup. This will be the area I need to spend a bit more time with to figure out.

volleys: "APD? That's a baseliner's frame." Yes, but it can be really effective a net. No, it doesn't have the soft touch that some of my other frames have - but it also has enough power that I don't feel like I need to go for so much. Not going for it as hard leaves me more relaxed and more consistent. My closet is full of players racquets that have better touch - Rebel 95, POG (LB, 107, 93), Diablo Mid, 6.1 95, Organix V1 Pro - but I brought the Pure Aero to my weekly doubles clinic today. I heard more "nice shot" and "you are volleying well today" comments than I have ever heard in the two years (and 10+ racquets) that I have been going there.

serve returns: Keep it deep and in the general vicinity of their backhand. Check.

To sum up - this is a really nice stick. The last version scored an 88 from TW - which I believe is tied for the highest rating they have given out. I'm guessing the rating will be higher and many people will think that it is just TW trying to sell the new model, but it really is better. Babolat is going to sell a ton of these.


EDIT: I also want to comment on the new grommets from a stringing perspective. Holes are big and I had no problem with blocked holes when doing crosses. They are well integrated into the frame and look like they spent a lot of time engineering them.
 
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Ric

New User
Ric,

We only got our playtest samples last week so we are currently in the process of playtesting them. The video should be up in around a week with the written to be ready to go by the in stock date.

Thanks
Brittany, TW

Okay, just wanted to share that ************** peeps copied you all and did already did and posted a video review. I might add that it is the worst review I have seen from anyone ever. So unprofessional and did not address almost most of the things that we all as players are looking to hear about.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
I see how the word T*nn*sXpres* got blocked out. Thats a bit unrealistic. Everyone knows they exist. What happened to freedom of speech ? :)

apparently you didn't read the rules...

- Did I post a competitor link, or reference a competitor's website and/or name? TW reserves the right to delete/remove any posts that promote competition. This is a privately owned message board, and TW is a business.

from the sticky at the top titled:

TTW FAQ: READ BEFORE POSTING!

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/inde...ore-posting-sigs-avatars-pictures-etc.319306/
 

caprivi

Rookie
EDIT: I also want to comment on the new grommets from a stringing perspective. Holes are big and I had no problem with blocked holes when doing crosses. They are well integrated into the frame and look like they spent a lot of time engineering them.[/QUOTE]

Did they fix the placement of that one tie-off where it's sort of difficult due to a blocking string?
 

n8dawg6

Legend
n8dawg6,

Can you post a pic without the cardboard spec sheet and give us a pic showing the more open pattern? Thanks much for your time!

here's some pics the string pattern to a graphene speed MP. not exactly the same, but very similar head shapes and string patterns.

image_zpsp5znbiqn.jpg
 

JonnyAbs

Semi-Pro
Okay, just wanted to share that ************** peeps copied you all and did already did and posted a video review. I might add that it is the worst review I have seen from anyone ever. So unprofessional and did not address almost most of the things that we all as players are looking to hear about.
Their reviews are always pretty crappy. TW's are always better.
 

Ric

New User
Two quick questions
I have read the pure aero tour is also in this new line of racquets. However, Babolat has not released that yet, so my questions is?

1. Do you know when that is available for sale?

2. What is the key differences between pure aero and pure aero tour?
 

JonnyAbs

Semi-Pro
Two quick questions
I have read the pure aero tour is also in this new line of racquets. However, Babolat has not released that yet, so my questions is?

1. Do you know when that is available for sale?

2. What is the key differences between pure aero and pure aero tour?
This info is posted in my different threads but it is available in Nov and whereas the pure aero is 300g unstrung, the tour is 315 grams and it will be a bit more headlight so that the SW will not be so big. I think a good estimate is about a 335-338 SW.
 

JonnyAbs

Semi-Pro
This info is posted in my different threads but it is available in Nov and whereas the pure aero is 300g unstrung, the tour is 315 grams and it will be a bit more headlight so that the SW will not be so big. I think a good estimate is about a 335-338 SW.
this was supposed to say 'many' different threads, not 'my'. Why can't I edit my posts?
 

Ric

New User
this was supposed to say 'many' different threads, not 'my'. Why can't I edit my posts?

Thanks! So the tour will have a swing weight of 335-338 and you are saying thats not that big. However, thats more than pure areo which per the TW website has a swing weight of 327.

Am I missing something?
 

JonnyAbs

Semi-Pro
Thanks! So the tour will have a swing weight of 335-338 and you are saying thats not that big. However, thats more than pure areo which per the TW website has a swing weight of 327.

Am I missing something?
Tours always have more weight and swingweight than standard versions...
 

DJTaurus

Hall of Fame
The thread is so poor on people's opinions. How many did they receive they stick ? Either BABOLAT send the stick to 2-3 people or they choose wrong testers that don't play often....
 

JonnyAbs

Semi-Pro
The thread is so poor on people's opinions. How many did they receive they stick ? Either BABOLAT send the stick to 2-3 people or they choose wrong testers that don't play often....
I was also curious as to "how many did they receive they stick" as well. Hurt my hammie the day before I got mine, but was still able to get out once last week. My calf on the same leg is now hurting me probably because I have been compensating for the hammie and stressing surrounding body parts. I am good enough to play though and will hit tonight and Wednesday. I am on here every day so I will post after each session. Our formal reviews are not due until 9/25 so I won't be writing my full one until then but I will be on here to comment often until then.
 

Ric

New User
I totally ag
I was also curious as to "how many did they receive they stick" as well. Hurt my hammie the day before I got mine, but was still able to get out once last week. My calf on the same leg is now hurting me probably because I have been compensating for the hammie and stressing surrounding body parts. I am good enough to play though and will hit tonight and Wednesday. I am on here every day so I will post after each session. Our formal reviews are not due until 9/25 so I won't be writing my full one until then but I will be on here to comment often until then.

I totally agree. No one is expecting a full review right away but writing some thoughts after a few hits would be great. Its not possible that most people who got the new stick haven't cared to take it out for a test.

JonnyAbs - Saw your initial comments. Thanks for that.
 

Babolat Official

Hall of Fame
Does anyone know the tie offs for a 2 piece job on this racquet? I cut out the string without looking at the tie off points and I'm assuming they're different from the 2013

Hey FoldingChair, the stringing pattern for the Pure Aero is as follows:

Main skips: 7, 9 T ; 7,9H
Main Tie-offs: 6T
Cross Tie-offs: 5H, 8T

It's also important to note that part of the new Aeromodular system includes a more aerodynamic stringing pattern. At the top of the hoop is a label for which side to start the crosses. It's important to start on this side as it will allow the crosses to sit within grooves on the outside of the bumper when exiting the stringbed before turning around the hoop to reenter the string bed. Otherwise, the strings will be more exposed on the outside of the hoop. I'm happy to elaborate with pictures if necessary.

Two quick questions
I have read the pure aero tour is also in this new line of racquets. However, Babolat has not released that yet, so my questions is?

1. Do you know when that is available for sale?

2. What is the key differences between pure aero and pure aero tour?

Hi Ric.

We're planning on releasing the tour version in November. Primarily, it will be 315 g unstrung with a 315 mm balance compared to the Pure Aero's 300 g unstrung weight and 320 mm balance.

I'm happy to answer other questions about the tour, but would prefer that you e-mail them to me at msafi@babolat.com or shoot them over to the other thread. Let's keep this thread more focused on the Pure Aero playtest.
 
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FoldingChair

Semi-Pro
Hey FoldingChair, the stringing pattern for the Pure Aero is as follows:

Main skips: 7, 9 T ; 7,9H
Main Tie-offs: 6T
Cross Tie-offs: 5H, 8T

It's also important to note that part of the new Aeromodular system includes a more aerodynamic stringing pattern. At the top of the hoop is a label for which side to start the crosses. It's important to start on this side as it will allow the crosses to sit within grooves on the outside of the bumper when exiting the stringbed before turning around the hoop to reenter the string bed. Otherwise, the strings will be more exposed on the outside of the hoop. I'm happy to elaborate with pictures if necessary.
Much appreciated!
 

TW Staff

Administrator
DJTauras,

Babolat generously sent out 12 racquets for the playtesters. Please note that they can get to different places at different times and the playtesters have 4 weeks to playtest the racquet before they need to post their reviews.

Thanks,
Brittany, TW
 

cknobman

Legend
The thread is so poor on people's opinions. How many did they receive they stick ? Either BABOLAT send the stick to 2-3 people or they choose wrong testers that don't play often....

Sorry but in all fairness I would not be doing justice (nor would any of the other playtesters) to Babolat or TW if we came on here an started posting reviews on this racquet inside of a week of actually having the racquet.

To give a fair, comprehensive, and full review the playtesters should spend several (if not more) weeks with the racquet and test it in as many situations/scenarios as possible.

Several of us, myself included, have come here and given some quick initial impressions.
 

Nuke

Hall of Fame
Just got the separate shipment of string today, but in a box big enough to hold 100 sets, there was only one of Origin. The promised RPM Blast and M7 were not there. There was a packing slip in the box that says it was to include all three strings, but only the Origin was inside, and the box was not damaged. Nuts. The Origin was probably the least likely string for me.
 

mad dog1

G.O.A.T.
I am waiting to write a review with more hitting time under my belt. But I will say it is a solid frame with better comfort than APD.
sounds very promising! i've been playing exclusively with modded Storm GTs (tailweighted to make them more HL) for over a year which is unprecedented loyalty to 1 racquet for me. i may have to demo the new Pure Aero when it becomes available. Too bad JGads left for the other coast otherwise, i'm sure he'd be ordering a demo box with one of these for us to try. :(
 
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